Bowmanville woman sexually assaulted by intruder

Suspect fled on foot

Police car

BOWMANVILLE -- Police are on the hunt for a man who entered a Bowmanville woman’s home as she slept and sexually assaulted her early Tuesday.

The 24-year-old victim sustained minor injuries in the attack, at her home in the McBride Avenue and Woolacott Lane area at about 5:20 a.m., Durham police said. She told police she was confronted by a man who knocked her from her bed and assaulted her before fleeing.

The suspect was last seen running northbound on Green Road, police said. He’s described as white with a thin build and short hair. He wore a dark T-shirt with light lettering or a logo, blue jeans and a light-coloured ball cap.

Sergeant Bill Calder said police forensic and sexual assault officers are investigating. So far it’s not been determined how the man gained entry to the house or if the woman was specifically targeted, he said.

It is of concern to police that the suspect was brash enough to enter the victim’s home, Sgt. Calder said.

“It always causes alarm when something like this happens,” he said. “The sanctity of your home is of course foremost.”

The incident should serve as a reminder to ensure home security, he said. “Our message is to always be alert.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-579-1520, extension 5317 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Jeff Mitchell is the justice reporter for Metroland Media Group in Durham Region, Ontario.